Page 25 of From London, With Love

Must admit, I’m a little offended.

“Dexter, you wound me.”?

“Can’t even say I’m sorry, I wouldn't mean it.” Dex smirks at me. “Is this someone a man or woman?”?

Rolling my eyes, I let out a small sigh, which bleeds into alaugh. “How many times must we have this conversation? No matter how hard you attempt to sway me, I am a straight man, Dex.”

He has the audacity to look hurt by my words, even though we’ve been having this conversation since our first year of law school. Huffing, Dex goes on.

“The bi’s and gay’s of London continue to have their hearts torn into pieces at the hands of one Mr Carter Lawrence.”

I can’t help but laugh. Dex has been trying to recruit me for almost as long as I’ve known him, even though we’re both aware it doesn’t work like that.

Whenever Dex mentions he’s hooked up with someone, I have to confirm if it’s a man or a woman to know how to proceed with the conversation. More often than not, the answer has been a woman. The best stories, though? They seem to be more prevalent when the answer is a man.?

“Any who,” I say, determined to continue this conversation with as little dramatics as possible. “She’s an incredibly stubborn woman who works in the bookstore.”

Dex’s brows furrow as he studies me.

“Wow, she’s really gotten under your skin, hasn’t she?” he asks, not expecting an answer.

“I don’t understand why she’s affecting me the way she is.” My words are coming out in haste. A sudden feeling of restlessness has me crossing and uncrossing my arms. “She has horrible taste in books, truly Dex. She’s one of those uncultured heathens who believe written porn is a genre. She possesses an unmatched level of sass and sarcasm, her arse is incredible, and she’sAustralian.”

Dex lifts both hands with his palms toward me, preventing me from continuing.

“I’m sorry, but did you compliment her arse?”

I pause. “What? Why on earth would I do that?”

“I dunno, mate, but I’m quite sure you said, and I quote, ‘her arse is incredible.’”

“Shit.” Muttering under my breath, I glance away from Dex for a moment, then back at him. He’s wearing the same smug expression, and I want to reach over and slap it off his face. “It would appear I did, in fact, say that.”

Pure triumph radiates across his face, and now I want to slap him even more.

“Dex, mate, I think I had a minor stroke.”

I’m surprised his mouth doesn’t split up the sides when the grin on his face somehow widens even further.?

“You’ve got it bad.”

“No, I don’t,” I snap back defensively. Too quickly. Dex knows it too.

It’s a fact. Lara has a really nice arse. One that makes you want to grab a fistful while she’s sitting on your face.

Jesus, Carter, what the fuck man?

I’ve no idea where that thought came from, and I’m a little concerned.

I don’t even like her.

“I don’t even like her,” I repeat out loud this time.?

The arsehole across the table from me has the nerve to continue to grin at me, crossing his arms over his chest and mimicking my body language.

“You sure?” He raises a brow curiously.

The truth is, I’m not the slightest bit sure. The fact that my immediate reaction is to go on the defensive suggests that perhaps I like her a little more than I’m willing to let on. But I’m not about to let Dex have the satisfaction of being right.

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